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This article presents methods for the isolation and culture of epithelial cells from the bovine oviduct for use in both research and the teaching laboratory and provides examples of ways that an oviductal cell culture can be incorporated into an undergraduate research program. Cow reproductive tracts are readily available from area butchers, and the procedure for isolation of the epithelium is simple and inexpensive. The cells can be observed immediately after isolation or can be cultured for up to 72 h under simple conditions for observation over several days. For experimental use, epithelial cells are cultured in standard cell culture medium, where they continue to divide and actively secrete substances into the medium. The ease with which the tissue can be collected and cells isolated makes the oviductal epithelium ideal for use in both the teaching laboratory and research projects in which undergraduates serve as investigators.

Information on student learning in terms of amount and efficiency when using interactive video instead of traditional laboratory methods as well as questions on the use of live animals for instruction is provided. The methods, results, discussion, and summary are included. (KR)

This article describes a simple laboratory exercise for examining the effect of stress on the immune system in mice. Mice are subjected to confinement stress for 1 h, after which a sample of blood is collected via the caudal vein. Blood samples are smeared onto microscope slides, air dried, and stained with Wright's Giemsa stain. When differential white blood cell counts are performed, there are noticeable differences between the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts of stressed versus control mice. The protocol is simple enough for students to perform, and the entire experiment can be completed within 3 h. Examples of ways in which the basic protocol can be modified to accommodate a shorter laboratory class are provided. This hands-on laboratory experiment provides students with experience using the scientific method to investigate the interaction between the endocrine and immune systems in response to stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents methods for the isolation and culture of epithelial cells from the bovine oviduct for use in both research and tile teaching laboratory and provides examples of ways that an oviductal cell culture can be incorporated into an undergraduate research program. Cow reproductive tracts are readily available from area butchers, and the procedure for isolation of the epithelium is simple and inexpensive. The cells can be observed immediately after isolation or can be cultured for tip to 72 h under simple conditions for observation over several days. For experimental use, epithelial cells are cultured in standard cell culture medium, where they continue to divide and actively secrete substances into the medium. The ease with which the tissue can be collected and cells isolated makes the oviductal epithelium ideal for use in both the teaching laboratory and research projects in which undergraduates serve as investigators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the evaluation of educational tool for understanding the cardiovascular adjustments to upright posture as part of the regular course assignments in the Department of Kinesiology. A class of 12 graduate students and a class of 58 undergraduate students majoring in exercise science were given the educational tool. During the laboratory session, students met in groups of four or five students to further discuss, clarify, and review the questions, problems, and case scenarios from the educational tool. As a result, graduate student responses were overall more favorable than those of the undergraduate students.